Overview
Nazir Hussain (15 May 1922 – 16 October 1987) was an Indian actor, director and screenwriter associated chiefly with Hindi cinema. Recognised as a versatile character actor, he is also credited as a pioneering figure in Bhojpuri cinema. Over the course of his career he appeared in close to 500 films, and shared screen space with Dev Anand in a substantial portion of his Hindi film roles.
Key facts
| Name | Nazir Hussain |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 May 1922 |
| Died | 16 October 1987 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actor, director, screenwriter |
| Primary industries | Hindi cinema; Bhojpuri cinema |
| Approximate film count | Around 500 |
| Frequent collaborator | Dev Anand |
Background
Nazir Hussain worked in Indian cinema across multiple decades of the twentieth century. While much of his on-screen output was in Hindi-language films, he is particularly remembered for the early impetus he provided to Bhojpuri cinema, which emerged as a regional film industry in northern India.
Career
Hindi cinema
Hussain built a long career as a character actor in Hindi films, becoming a familiar face in supporting roles. He appeared in a large number of productions featuring Dev Anand, with whom he shared a sustained on-screen association.
Bhojpuri cinema
In addition to acting, Hussain contributed to Bhojpuri cinema as a writer and creative force. His work in this field has led to his being described as a pioneer of the Bhojpuri film industry.
Direction and screenwriting
Apart from acting, Hussain worked behind the camera as a director and as a screenwriter, extending his involvement in filmmaking beyond performance.
Significance
Nazir Hussain's career is notable for two reasons: the sheer volume and consistency of his presence as a character actor in Hindi cinema, and his foundational role in establishing Bhojpuri-language filmmaking as a distinct branch of Indian cinema.
Related topics
References
- Nazir Hussain – English Wikipedia
- Wikidata item: Q6983479